Heather Gay, the reality television star from Bravo's Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, has made a definitive statement about her future with weight loss medication. The 51-year-old has confirmed she has no intention of stopping her use of GLP-1 drugs, a class of medication that has helped her achieve significant weight loss.
A Lifelong Change, Not a Quick Fix
In an interview with UsWeekly on Thursday, Gay was clear that her use of the medication is a permanent part of her health regimen. This commitment stands even as she begins a new role representing the Atkins diet company. She explained that the Atkins programme is her chosen method to ensure she receives proper nutrition while managing her weight with the aid of GLP-1 medication.
"This is working for me, and I'm just grateful to be here," Gay stated, emphasising her focus on how she feels. "I am focused on how I feel. I think that's part of my daily routine... I have nutritional choices to support it."
The Science Behind GLP-1 Medications
Originally developed in 2005 to assist individuals with type 2 diabetes in controlling blood sugar levels, GLP-1 medications have since been recognised for their weight loss potential. Popular brands containing the receptor agonist semaglutide, such as Ozempic and Rybelsus, are approved by the FDA for diabetes treatment. Another drug, Wegovy, is specifically approved for obesity management.
For Gay, the impact has been transformative. She described a lifetime of struggling with her weight and body image. "I just thought I had to accept how I looked and where I was at and that there was nothing I could do about it. I felt absolutely powerless," she shared. "I’ve tried every diet in the book. I’ve always been aware of [my size]. If I wasn’t aware of it, other people made me aware of it."
Finding Balance with Atkins
Now, Gay says she feels healthy and in control for the first time. Her partnership with Atkins, which she calls the "industry pioneer of the low-carb movement," helps her maintain a balanced intake of protein and fibre. "For the first time in my life, I’m really super conscious of everything that’s going into my body," she explained. "I really find that I need protein to maintain my shape and to keep me going throughout the day, and fibre helps me feel better."
She admits that adjusting to her reduced appetite has been a challenge, but one she embraces. "It’s really hard to eat within, like, what your body wants and my hunger now," she noted.
Gay has fully integrated this new chapter into her life, even sporting Atkins-branded red nails. "It's been an amazing partnership for me... This is a new chapter for me, like being comfortable in my body and maintaining my weight and kind of having so much attention on it," she told the publication.
